Reported byRudradeep3G in India
Last Updated: June 6, 2014 at 10:24 am29

As per the reports DoT might allow spectrum sharing which means non 3G operators can offer 3G services via spectrum sharing all though Trio like AirtelVodafone India and Idea has started offering 3G in non 3G circles after TDSAT lifted the ban on 3G ICRA roaming in April 2014.

3G Map

This comes at the time when the technical committee pointed out that since spectrum and licences have become technology agnostic, there is no point in banning a particular technology when it comes to sharing spectrum reports The Hindu. DoT had earlier banned sharing of 3G spectrum on the grounds that it would jeopardise future auctions as telecom players could enter into sharing arrangements instead of buying it.

Now its a wait a watch for operators and subscribers if telecom commission approves the final policy though if approved its a win win thing for customers and we can see some healthy competition among 3G operators and we believe there are chances operators might do a marginal hike in data tariff.

The happy guy RDB (stands for Rudradeep Biswas) has been writing for Telecomtalk since 2009, covering mobile operators, 3G, broadband, WiFi, 4G, LTE, telecom policies and what-not related to Indian telecom. He is by profession a doctor, did his MBBS from R.G.Kar Medical College, Kolkata.

If this gets implemented very soon then it would be very nice for common people.We dont need to keep separate sim cards for 2G and 3G and also we can expect a competition very soon.Because the small players like docomo and reliance will get licence in non operational areas and the avoid group might be forced to reduce their tariff,especially Airtel,whose 3G tariff is the costliest in ICRA areas like in Kolkata.

But again I would say that wired connection is much better than wireless connection.I was using docomo 2G for a year and now switched to broadband and I feel like I am flying in heaven as I dont need to worry about what sites I am surfing and what processes are running in the background that are eating up my data like I used to worry when I used to tether my docomo and used it on my pc.

I party agree and disagree also ,,,reason – no competition will happen as all operator will provide same data tariff which will will be high,,,,aircel which does not have a good 3g coverage and poor network is now giving 1g 3g at rs 198.. what to say,, please do confirm all that all aircel pocket internet pack have been hiked,,,,me from rest of bengal.. airtel provide 1gb at rs 255 which has a better 3g coverage…

Yeah,just checked it today.The packs have been hiked miserably.But compared to Airtel’s and Vodafone’s 3G packs,they are still cheaper.Atleast you are getting 1.7 Gb for 255 rupees.At my place I get very good signal of Aircel 2G as well as 3G.But since I have switched to wired connection,I don’t care about the hikes and data packs.

We can expect many things or miracles from this new government. Already they have said that broadband would be their first priority followed by inter circle MNP which is expected to be launched in 3 months. It would also be better if they focused on MNVOs as is would surely help reduce tariffs and would be better for both the main network provider and the virtual provider.

For example, Tesco Mobile, a MNVO using O2 (telefonica) UK network has much lower tariffs than the parent network. So thats will also be a hit in india too.

In other news which might be a bit disappointing for US residents. T mobile USA, which is known for its competitive tariffs and most popular “free data on international roaming” is being bought by Sprint, a CDMA operator. So nationwide there would only be 3 operators in USA (excluding regional ones) AT&T, Verizon, Sprint.

*On the other hand AT&T finally seems to be catching up with Verizon in terms of market share and both of them might now share the title of no1 carrier in US in terms of market share.

*Now the Sprint and T-Mobile merger still needs approval from FCC and the regulators seem sceptical regarding passing such a deal given that the previous deal of AT&T purchasing T-Mobile was turned down fearing lack of competition.

*The deal is good for the consumers i personally believe because both Sprint and T-Mobile have been losing money for quite some time now infact Sprint has been making losses for the past 7 years.If allowed to combine the combined entity would have enough subscriber base and spectrum ot help them effectively compete against the giants like AT&T and Verizon otherwise if left alone I believe in the long run both the carriers might find it difficult.On the other hand if the deal does fall apart T-Mobile is bound to get a lot of cash and spectrum from sprint which would give them a boost just like how the fall off the AT&T and T-Mobile merger helped T-Mobile.As you know bro I am not much into telecom so my comments might be wrong.

Yes, there will be concerns of monopoly being created in the united states however the deal may finalise seeing the condition of both the companies, t mobile being in a lot better situation than sprint.

Customers aren’t happy. They have already threated to quit t mobile if merger happens (courtsey- twitter). Same with the o2 ireland takeover by Hutchison (3) which has got regulatory approvals)

My opinion is to allow 3G ICRA for a period basis as 4G technologies will pickup speed in next 3-4 years, slowly 3G will fade out. As more cheaper 4G handsets are around corner; 3G has reached saturation level. A good news for operators, this move by DOT will definitely improve their balance sheets, high operational costs taken by 3G operators per circle will come down. Last but not least DoT must look after the legal view of the decision otherwise it is the common man who pays at the end.

I have bought a Vodafone USB Modem in January 2013 from MP&CG circle where Vodafone doesn’t have 3G license & DoT cancelled 3G ICRA on March 2013 resulting losing my 1500 INR on modem plus 500 INR as balance.

Data tariff already hiked by aircel.. Website not yet updated.. Now aircel provide 1gb data for rs 198.. 1770 mb for rs 255. Me from rest of bengal.. Aircel network is not good but matching tariff with avoid group.. Its now better to use airtel 3g Rather than aircel3g…

“we believe there are chances operators might do a marginal hike in data tariff”….Not again!!! Already here in AP,we are paying >Rs250 for 1GB for both airtel & idea.They even stopped custom offers from January.I will definitely take broadband connection, if they do this.

Good deal…!!! I am also using similar plan but no freebies. I am from AP, using Airtel post paid. My plan is” Call rates…Local A-A 20 ps, A-O 30ps, A-Land 40ps. STD all calls at 50ps/min. SMS rates… 100 L &N SMS free. Afterwards all SMS at 10 ps. All these at just ?75 only per month. No free calls and no free data.

@Shuvam:- Using the same plan in Airtel Delhi except change is 600Min (L and N). Airtel is way better then Vodafone overall. Better coverage, voice clarity etc but the main difference between these two giants of Indian telecom industries is Airtel’s bestest Customer care.
If you mail them i can bet they will surely mail you back positively within 4h but on the other hand Vodafone CC mail you only after 48h and the resolution is also not satisfactory.
You can get free Miss call alert in Airtel, Hellotunes at reduced rates, better 121 offer for you and give timely double 3G data on all numbers which is not given by Vodafone.